Session Profile: Martin Helme
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
2024-09-26
Political Position
The political stance is fiercely opposed to the government's 2025 budget, which is viewed as a continuous tax hike spree and irresponsible borrowing. The primary points of emphasis are the languishing economy, the impoverishment of the populace, and the failure of government policy, which has dragged the Estonian economy down to the level of Sudan and Haiti. Criticism is directed both at the government’s actions (performance-driven) and its underlying values (the ideology of the green transition).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in state budget and finance matters, citing specific loan figures (€1.4 billion, €2 billion) and the utilization of the Unemployment Insurance Fund reserves (€170 million). Historical criticism is also leveled concerning the underfunding of national defense and the earlier denial of the necessity for air defense. Detailed knowledge is further provided regarding the Rail Baltic funding shortfall (€2.7 billion) and the expenses associated with the green transition.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is extremely combative, accusatory, and ironic, characterizing the government's narrative as a "lulling lie" and "oh, come on!" The speaker uses strong emotional expressions ("it gives you the chills," "misanthropic and predatory energy policy") and supports their claims with concrete, albeit critical, financial figures. The tone is completely dismissive of the government's actions.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is insufficient data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the Reform Party-led government, specifically Kristen Michal and Kaja Kallas, who stand accused of a radical divergence between their words and deeds, and outright hypocrisy regarding state borrowing. The criticism is intense, centering on political failure (the economic recession) and corruption (a reference to "crony business" in the defense industry). The government's policies are utterly condemned.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily on national economic problems and budget priorities, while simultaneously criticizing large international projects such as Rail Baltic. There is also mention of living at the expense of the Estonian people due to the allocation of 250 million euros to Ukraine, even as ports and schools remain unbuilt in Estonia.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic views are strongly opposed to tax increases, especially concerning income tax and the taxation of pensions, and emphasize the detrimental effects of anti-business policies. Regarding the budget, irresponsible borrowing and the depletion of reserves are criticized, while simultaneously demanding cuts to funding for ideological NGOs and expenses related to the green transition. The speaker stresses the need to grow wealth, not stifle it through taxation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are being addressed in the context of budget cuts, with opposition voiced against cuts in extracurricular activities and culture. Specific emphasis is placed on the negative impact of the income tax increase and the removal of the exemption on pensioners and the increasing poverty among working people.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the strong opposition to the government's 2025 state budget bill. The speaker, a critic of the budget proposed by the opposing side, is demanding cuts to major projects (Rail Baltic, the green transition) and ideological spending (NGOs), while simultaneously protecting funding for education and pensions.
1 Speeches Analyzed